Curtain support for an article of furniture



Uwe. 2U, E949 J. A. MUENCH CURTAIN SUPPORT FOR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed May 50, 1945 n D 4 IVIIHWWIIIIIII "ITIXUMZIIHIIJJ n o T d /A/l/EA/ TOR A 7' TORA/EV Dm., 2U, i949 .1. A. MUENCH 3,491,756

CURTAIN SUPPORT FR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed May 30. 1945 2 Sheets 5heet 2 FIG. 7

F/G. /0 FIG.

)Nl/ENTOR JSEPH A. MUE/VCH ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 20, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CURTAIN SUPPORT FOR AN ARTICLE F FURNITURE This invention relatesl to an article of Vfurniture having one or'more lcurtainsior enclosing the space underneath the top thereof, and particularly to a device Vfor supporting the curtains in a slidable manner adjacent the periphery of such top.

Heretofore, dressing tables of the boudoir type have utilized one or more curtains for enclosing the space below the tops thereof. Known arrangements for supporting such curtains on the table tops tended to bunch-up and thereby disarrange the curtains.

The present invention contemplates supports for the curtains of a dressing table which move as aunit so that the tendency to disarrange the curtains is substantially obviated.

The main object of the invention is to provide for each curtain of a dressing table a support slidable as a unit.

A speciiic embodiment of the present invention disclosed in connection with a boudoir dressing table of the curtain-enclosed type comprises the table top formed with a peripheral recess, a rail mounted on the table top adjacent such recess to provide an opening between the table top and an upper edge of the rail, a semi-flexible band, and a plurality of hooks mounted in spaced relation on such band. The hooks are formed on corresponding ends with inverted U-shape portions which are disposed in such opening for slidably engaging the upper edge of the rail, and on their other ends with upright U-shape portions for removably receiving a textile strip fastened to the uppermost edge of the curtain whereby the curtain is detachably mounted on the table top.

A second embodiment includes a semi-flexible band, a textile strip positioned coextensively on the band and provided with a plurality of spaced apertures, a plurality ofmembers disposed between the strip and band, each member being formed with a projection extending through one aperture, and a plurality of hooks. Each hook is formed with a central aperture, when positioned on the strip, to receive one projection, and is adapted to bind the strip to the band for xedly mounting the projection thereon. Also each hook is formed on its upper edge with an integral inverted U-shape portion which is disposed in the opening between the table top and rail for slidably engaging the upper edge of the rail. The curtain embodies a plurality of complementary members for removably receiving the projections whereby the curtain is detachably mounted on the table top. I

A third embodiment comprises a semi-flexible Claims.

band having a plurality of discrete portions partially stamped out of theupper edge thereof at spaced points therealong, each portion including a section integral with the band and an integral projection depending from the last section. Each section and associated projection are spaced from the band adjacent an aperture therein due to each partially stamped out section and associated projection. A plurality of supports, each. having a transverse end portion formed with a perforation and U-shape end portion, is so mounted on the band that the transverse end portions extend into such apertures to allow the perforations to receive the projections. The band is positioned adjacent the rail so that the transverse end portions and projections extend into the opening between the table top and the upper edge of the rail to slidably engage the upper edge of the rail. The U-shape portions removably receive a textile band attached to the curtain whereby the curtain is detachably mounted on the table top.

Due to the semi-nexible band in the foregoing individual embodiments of the invention, each curtain support moves as a unit. This means that the entire curtain is moved at the same time so that any tendency to disarrange the initial adjustment of the curtain is substantially obviated. Accordingly, the curtain can be given a desired initial adjustment from a decorative standpoint, and such adjustment will be maintained substantially indefinitely.

The inventionwill be readily understood from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a 'boudoir dressing table equipped with two curtains supported in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view taken along the line 4-4 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a partial elevational view taken along the line 55 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 ls a view similar to Fig. 3 of a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational View taken along the line 1 1 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational View taken along the line 8 8 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 3 of a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 isV afragmentary elevational view taken along line lll-I0 in Fig. 9;

3 Fig. 11 is a partial elevational View taken along the line il-li in Fig. 9, and

Figs. 12 and 13 are siinpliied illustrations of Fig. 9 showing the manner of inserting or removing a certain element.

In the following description the same reference numerals are employed to designate identical elements appearing in several figures of the drawing.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 a table top 23 is supported by a plurality of spaced legs 2| between which are positioned one or more slidable drawers 22, 23 and 24. Depending from the periphery of the table top are curtains 25 and 25 supported in a manner that will be presently explained. j

In accordance with the present invention, a specific embodiment for supporting the curtains 25 and 25 comprises the periphery of tabletop 20, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, formed with a groove 23 positioned intermediate upper portion 29 and lower portion 33, the outermost peripheral surface of the portion 33 being located in a vertical plane spaced from a vertical vplane embodying the outermost peripheral surface of the portion'29j-In Figs. 2, i

3 and l a rail 3| attached to the outermost peripheral surface of the portion 3E by means of tacks 34 extends entirely around the periphery of the table tcp 2U. At the rear of the table top 20 as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, adjacent ends of the rail 3| terminate substantially in a V-shape opening 35 for the purpose that will hereinafter appear.

In Fig. 2 unitary support 32 carries curtain 25 and unitary support 33 carries curtain 2B in a manner that will now be described. Referring to Fig. V3, each of the supports 32 and 33 comprises a semi-flexible band 38 formed with a plurality of spaced elongated slots 39, Fig. 5, in each of which is positioned an inverted U-shape portion embodied on the uppermost end of a rigid member 4l whose lowerrnost end includes an upright U-shape portion 42, Figs. 3 and 5, these U- shape portions being disposed in opposite directions or effectively in back-to-back relation. Each U-shape portion 43 slidably engages the upper end of. the rail 3| as will be subsequently mentioned, The number of members 4| embodied in individual supports 32 and 33 will be hereinafter identiiied. Positioned vertically in the U-shape portions l2 is a textile band 43 to which is suitably attached one of the curtains 25 and Z6. Formed integral with corresponding ends of the semi-nexible bands 33 in the individual supports 32 and 33, Fig. 2. are suitable iinger grips 44 and 45, respectively, for actuating `each of the H supports in a direction and for a purpose that will presently appear. Y

To assemble the specific embodiment described above in connection with Figs. 1 through', the semi-flexible bands 38 of the individual supports 32 and 33 are preselected with an individual length suitable for supporting curtains 25 and 2B of Dreselected size and Weight. Each semi-flexible band 38 is provided with openings 39 in a number consistent with the size and weight of the curtains to be carried by the individual supports 32 and 33. In each opening 39 of individual-semiilexible bands 33 are so positioned the U-shape portions 40 of the members 4| that all U-shape portions 42 thereof lie on the same side of each band 3B. Each semi-iiexible band 38 is mounted on the rail 3| by inserting the individual U-shape portions 40 of the members 5|, in succession, into the V-shape opening 35, Fig. 4, while at .the same time moving the semi-flexible band 38 ina clocktile bands 43 before the insertion of the latter into the upright U-shape portions 42 of the members 4| included in the respective supports 32 and 33. Thus, the curtains 25 and 26 may be prearranged with such adjustment as will tend to be Sii ,Y most pleasing to the eye.

Thereafter, the individual textile bands 43 are inserted into the upright U-shape `portions 42 of the members 4| included in the respective supports 32 and 33. By means of the finger grips 44 and 45 the respective curtains 25 and 26 may be adjusted to enclose or expose the space underneath the table top 25 as desired. Due to the semi-flexible characteristic of the bands 38 embodied in the individual supports 32 and 33, each of the latter tends to move as a unit. This means that each curtain is also moved as a unit at the same time so-that any tendency to disarrange the initial adjustments of the individual curtains is substantially obviated. Due to the positioning of the textile bands 43 in the U-shape portions 42 of the members 4| included in the respective supports 32 and 33, the curtains 25 and 25 can be expeditiously dismounted from the-table top 20 for Acleaning purposes. Accordingly, it is clear that the curtains 25 and 23 embody no elements thatwould and location of the corresponding elements in Fig. 3. Slidably mounted on the rail 3| is a hook 50 comprising a semi-flexible band 5| having its inner surface positioned adjacent the rail 3| and its outer surface disposed next to a textile band 52 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Through an opening 53 in the textile band 52 extends a projection 54 formed integral with a flat portion 55 positioned intermediate the textile band 52 and semiflexible band 5|. Member 56 having a central opening 51 to accommodate both the projection 52A and iiat portion 55 is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the textile band 52 as shown in Figs. 6 and '7. l

Extensions 58 and 59 formed integral with th upper edge of the member 55 and extension |50 formed integral with the lower edge of the member 55 are bent approximately 180 degrees to engage rmly the inner surface of the semi-flexible band 5| as shown in Figs. 6 and 8. Thisixedl'y locates the projection 54 on the semi-exible band 5| for a purpose that will hereinafter appears engaging the upper edge of the rail 3| as shown.

in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. Element 62 provided with a centrally depressed portion 63 for accommodating the projection 54 is suitably secured to a textile band 64 which in turn is suitably secured to a cur-v.

tainli5 identical with` either curtain-25,01' 25,Fig.

atomen l. By inserting the projection 54 into the aperture 53 and withdrawing it therefrom the curtain 65 is removably attached to the slidable hook 50. To assemble the slidable hook 5|] of Figs. 6, 7 and 8 to constitute unitary supports equivalent to the unitary supports 32 and 33, Fig. 2, the individual semi-flexible bands 5| of such constituted supports are preselected with lengths suitable for supporting curtains similar to the curtains 25 and 26, Fig. 1. Each preselected semifiexible band 5l is provided with such number of hooks 50 as is consistent with the size and weight ofthe curtains to be carried on the respective supports. Each of such supports is mounted on the rail 3| by inserting the inverted U-shape portions BI, in succession, into the V-shape opening 35, Fig. 4, while at the same time movinglthe semi-flexible band 5| in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as the case may warrant until all U-shape portions Ei slidably engage the upper edge of the rail 3|. It is understood that the :individual bands 5|, to facilitate their actuation, are provided with finger grips similar to the ringer grips 44 and 45, Fig. 2.

Individual curtains similar to the curtains 25 and 26, Fig. 2, have their uppermost ends suitably fastened to individual textile bands 64, and may be detachablymounted on the table top by inserting the projections 54 into the depressed portions 63, Fig. 6, and removing them therefrom as hereinbefore mentioned. As in Fig. 2, the curtains carried by the supports embodying the hooks 50, Figs. 6, 7 and 8, may be prearranged with such adjustment as will tend to be most pleasing to the eye` Due to the semi-ilexible band 5| in each support constituted as above explained, each curtain will tend to move as a unit so that each curtain will tend to retain its initial preshaping regardless of the actuations of its support.

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 constitute a third embodiment of the invention comprising the periphery of the table top 2U formed with a groove 28 positioned intermediate upper and lower portions 29 and 3D, respectively, and a rail 3| mounted adjacent the groove 28 in a manner similar to the formation and location of the corresponding elements in Fig. 3. Mounted adjacent the rail 3| is a semi-iiexible band 'l0 whose uppermost end is formed with an integral depressed portion 1| including an integral depending portion '12, both of which portions effect a substantially U-shape opening 69. Positioned adjacent the semi-exible band 'l0 is a U-shape member 13 having an integral horizontal portion 'I4 formed with an opening for accommodating the depending portion l2. Thus the portions 12 and 14 provide a bearing surface for slidably engaging the upper edge of the rail 3|. A textile band 16 positioned in the U-shape member 13 is suitably-secured to a curtain 11.

The U-shape member 13 is mounted on the semi-flexible band 10 in the following manner. eferring to Fig. 12, the U-shape member 'I3 is initially positioned substantially at an angle of 90 'degrees relative to the semi-flexible band 1D so that its horizontal portion 14 lies in a plane parallel to the plane of the depending portion 12. Next, the U-shape member 'I3 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction whereupon its opening 15 is caused to receive the depending portion 12 as shown in Fig. 13. When the U-shape member 13 lies in a plane parallel to the plane of the semi-flexible band 10, as shown inFg. 9, the dependingV portion is fully received in the opening 15. To disengage the U-shape member lffrom the semi-flexible .band 10 the former is rotated in the clockwise direction.

To assemble the U-shape members T3 and semiflexible band 10 to constitute unitary supports equivalent to the individual unitary supports 32 and 33, Fig. 2, the individual semi-flexible bands 'l0 of such supports arepreselected with lengths Suitable for supporting curtains similar tothe curtains 25 `and `26, Fig. 1. Each semi-flexible band 10 is provided with such number of depressed portions H and depending portions l2 and thereby Va corresponding number of U-shape members 13 Ias is consistent -with the size and weight of the curtains to be carried on the respective supports. Each of such supports is mounted. on the rail-3| by inserting the associated portions l2 and 14, in succession, into the V- shape opening 35, Fig. e, while at the same time moving'the semi-flexible band I0 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as circumstances may warrant until all associated portions 'l2 and 'I4 slidably engage the upper edge of the rail 3|, Fig. 9. It is understood that the individual semiexiblebands 10 employ nger grips similar to nger grips 44 and 45, Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 9 individual curtains 'Il have their uppermost ends attached to individual textile bands 16 each of which may bepositioned in the U-shape members 13 embodied in the unitary supports constituted as hereinbefore pointed out, and `removed therefrom for detachably mounting the curtains on` the table top 20.

As in Fig. 2 the curtains carried by the supports embodying the U-shape portions 13 may be prearranged with such adjustment as will tend to be most pleasing to the eye. Due to the semiflexible band 'HJ in each support constituted as hereinbefore described, each support and the curtain mounted thereonwill tend to move as a unit so that each curtain will tend to retain its initial preshaping regardless of the actuations of its support.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination in an article of furniture, a top member, a curtain for enclosing the space underneath said member, a textile strip attachedto said curtain, said member formed with a peripheral recess, an elongated element so mounted on said member adjacent said recess as to provide an opening between a peripheral .portion of said member and an upper edge of said element, a plurality of supports having corresponding ends shaped to extend into said opening and slidably engage said upper edge of said element, and a semi-flexible band positioned in proximity of .said element for maintaining said supports in fixed relation,.said band beingl removably attachable to said strip, said curtain, supports and band moving as a unit as said supports are slidably moved on said upper edge of said element.

2. `In combination in an article of furniture, a top member, a curtain for enclosing the space underneath said member, a textile strip attached to said curtain, said member formed with peripheral recess, an elongated element mounted on a peripheral portion of said member adjacent said recess to provide an opening between a further peripheral portion of said member and an upper edge of said element, a band positioned in proximity of said element, 4and a plurality oi"- hooks fastened in fixed relation on said band, said hooks having inverted U -slfiaped portions formed on co1- responding ends, said'last portions being disposed 7 in said opening to slidably engage said upper edge of said element, said hooks having upright U-shape portions formed on their opposite ends for removably receiving said strip, said curtain, strip, band and hooks moving as a unit as said hooks are slid on said upper edge of said element.

3. In combination in an article of furniture, a table top, a curtain for enclosing the space underneath said top, a textile strip attached to said curtain, said top formed with a peripheral recess, an elongated element mounted on a peripheral portion of said top adjacent said recess to provide an opening between a further peripheral portion of said top and an upper edge of said element, a band positioned in proximity of said element, a plurality of supports fastened in i'lxed relation to said band to constitute a unit, each support having a portion extending into said opening to slidably engage said upper edge of said element, a projection xedly secured to each support, and a plurality of complementary members amxed to said strip in spaced relation for removably receiving said projections, said curtain, strip, band and supports 'moving as a unit as said supports are slid on said upper edge of said element.

4. In combination in an article of furniture, a top member, a curtain for enclosing the space underneath said member, a first textile strip attached to said curtain, said member formed with a peripheral recess, an elongated element mounted on a peripheral portion of said member adjacent said recess to provide an opening between a further peripheral'portion of said member and an upper edge of said element, a semiflexible band, a second textile strip substantially coextensive with said band and positioned thereon, said second strip being provided with a plurality of spaced apertures, a plurality of snap fasteners arranged in spaced relation intermediate said band and second strip, each fastener including a projection extending through one of said apertures, a plurality of hooks, each being formed with a perforation and positioned on said second strip so that said perforation receives said projection of one of said fasteners, said hooks lbeing secured to said band for fixedly mounting said second strip and fasteners thereon to constitute a unit, each hook having an inverted U-shape portion formed integral with the upper edge thereof and extending into said opening to slidably engage said upper edge of said element, and a plurality of complementary snap fasteners attached to said first strip for removably receiving said projections.

5. In combination in an article of furniture, a top member, a curtain for enclosing the space underneath said member, a textile strip attached to said curtain, said member formed with a peripheral groove, an elongated element mounted on-"a peripheral portion of said member adjacent said groove to provide an opening between a further peripheral portion of said member and an upper edge of said element, asemi-flexible band, a plurality of integral projections spaced along said band,`said band having an opening in proximity of each of said projections, and a plurality of hooks, each having a U-shape portion formed on one end and the other end having a perforation, said hooks being so mounted on said band that said other ends project through said openings to receive said projections to constitute a unit, said band being so mounted on said element tl-iat said other'fends and projections slidably'engage said upperedge of said element,

said U-shape'portions removably receiving said strip for detachably mounting said curtain on said member, said curtain, strip, band and hooks being moved as a unit with reference to said member as said other ends and projections are caused to slide on said upper end of said element.

6. In combination with a member and a curtain depending therefrom in a preselected decorative manner, an element iixedly mounted on said member, a semi-flexible band detachably secured to said curtain, and supports so mounted on said band as to constitute a unit, said supports slidably engaging said element, said curtain, semi-flexible band and supports moving as a unit as said supports are caused to slide on said element, said movement of said curtain substantially obviating disarrangement of said preselected decorative manner thereof.

7. In combination with an article of furniture including a member and a curtain depending therefrom, said curtain being arranged in a preselected decorative manner, a rail mounted on said member and including rectilinear and curvi-` linear sections, a semi-iiexible band detach'ably connectable to said curtain, and a plurality of supports so attached to said band as to constitute a unit, said supports slidably engaging said rail,- said curtain, band and supports moving as a unitl as said supports are caused to slide on said rectilinear and curvilinear sections of said rail, said movement of said curtain substantially obviating disarrangement of said preselected decorative manner thereof. j

8. In combination with an article of furniture including a member and a curtain 'depending therefrom in a predetermined decorative manner, a rail fixedly secured to said member, a plurality of supports, each having one end detachably connectable to said curtain and an opposite end slidable on said rail, and a semi-exible band for iixedly securing said supports in spaced relation to constitute a unit, said curtain, supports and band moving as a unit as said supports are caused to slide on said rail, said movement of said curtain substantially vobviating disarrangement of said predetermined decorative manner thereof. v

9. In combination with an article of furniture including a top and a curtain depending therefrom, said curtain being arranged in a preselected decorative manner, a rail fixedly mounted on said top, a plurality of supports slidable on said rail, a plurality of projections one for each of'said supports, a semi-flexible band for attaching each lof said supports to one of said projections, said band also maintaining said attached supports and projections in spaced relation so that said supports, projections and band slide as a unit ori said rail, and a plurality of members affixed in spaced relation to said curtain to detachably receive said projections for removably securing said curtain to said supports, said curtain, supports,

projections and band moving as a unit as said" supports each having one end detachably con-- nectable to said curtain and having a perforation in its opposite end, said projections being received in said perforatons for mounting said supports on said band in fixed spaced relation to constitute a unit, said opposite ends of said supports and said projections slidably engaging said rail so that said supports and band `s1ide as a unit thereon, said curtain, band and supports moving as a unit as said supports and band are caused to slide on said rail, said movement of `said curtain substantially obvating disarrangement of said preselected decorative manner thereof.

JOSEPH A. MUENCH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Garey Apr. 4, 1882 Eberly Feb. 19, 1884 Cole Apr.. 9, 1912 Smalley Jan. 10, 1915 Kirsch Sept. 11, 1917 Brown Nov. 15, 1927 Kirsch Nov. 17, 1981 Meneley Dec. 15, 1931 Vaughan Feb. 16, 1982 French May 17, 1988 Hartnett June 4, 1940 Frost Aug. 3, 1943 

